Why Some Horses Spook Easily (And Why Punishment Makes It Worse)

Horse spooking due to anxiety and lack of confidence in an outdoor arena

Spooking is one of the most misunderstood behaviours in horses. It is often treated as naughtiness, lack of respect, or a training failure. In reality, spooking is usually a sign that a horse does not feel safe enough to think. Understanding why it happens — and why punishment so often makes it worse — is … Read more

Signs of Anxiety in Horses: What Owners Often Miss

Subtle signs of anxiety in horses shown through pinned ears, tension, and withdrawn expression

Horse anxiety is often misunderstood because it does not always look dramatic. Many anxious horses never rear, bolt, or explode. Instead, they cope quietly — until they can’t. This article is about the early and easily missed signs of anxiety in horses. Not the obvious blow-ups, but the subtle behaviours that tell you a horse … Read more